CHANDIGARH: In a major boost to the state’s law enforcement and employment landscape, the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has announced the recruitment of 10,000 new personnel for the Punjab Police. The announcement, made during a high-level meeting and reiterated at several public forums throughout late 2025, aims to significantly augment the force’s strength to meet evolving security challenges.
Strengthening the Force
Addressing the media, CM Bhagwant Mann stated that this recruitment drive is a cornerstone of the “Vision 2026” initiative. The primary objective is to lower the police-to-citizen ratio and enhance the efficiency of the department in tackling organized crime, drug trafficking, and cyber threats.
”Our youth are the backbone of Punjab. By opening these 10,000 positions, we are not just providing employment but empowering our youth to become guardians of the state,” the Chief Minister said.
Key Details of the Recruitment
- Composition of Vacancies: While the bulk of the 10,000 posts are dedicated to Constables (District and Armed cadres), the government has also sanctioned nearly 1,600 positions for Sub-Inspectors (SI) and Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASI) to fill critical gaps in supervisory roles.
- Infrastructure Investment: Alongside the recruitment, the DGP Gaurav Yadav confirmed that ₹125+ crore has been earmarked for modernizing police infrastructure, including the installation of 3,000 AI-powered CCTV cameras across the state.
- Transparency: The CM emphasized that the entire selection process—from the Computer Based Test (CBT) to Physical Screening—will be conducted with “zero tolerance” for corruption, ensuring that only the most deserving candidates are selected on merit.
Timeline and Process
The official notification and application window are expected to open in early 2026. Prospective candidates are advised to prepare for a multi-stage selection process:
- Written Examination: A computer-based test covering General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and Punjabi Language.
- Physical Tests: Running, long jump, and high jump benchmarks tailored for male and female applicants.
- Document Verification: Scrutiny of educational credentials and local residency certificates.
A Continued Effort
This announcement follows a series of recruitment drives since 2022. The government noted that while the state previously recruited roughly 1,800 personnel annually, the new mandate significantly scales up this volume to reach a total police strength of over 1 lakh personnel by the end of 2026.
Aspiring candidates have been encouraged to keep checking the official Punjab Police recruitment portal (punjabpolice.gov.in) for the release of the detailed PDF notification.
Eligibility & Selection Process (expected) Based on standard Punjab Police recruitment norms. Here is what aspiring candidates should prepare for:-
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | 10+2 (12th Pass) for Constables; Graduation for SI. |
| Age Limit | Generally 18 to 28 years (with relaxations for SC/ST/BC/ESM). |
| Mandatory | Must have passed Matriculation with Punjabi as a subject. |
| Selection Stage 1 | Computer Based Test (CBT) / Written Exam. |
| Selection Stage 2 | Physical Screening Test (PST) & Physical Measurement Test (PMT). |
| Selection Stage 3 | Document Verification & Medical Examination. |